Play Facilitator

Louisiana Children’s Museum; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Children’s Museum in New Orleans seeks a Play Facilitator who engages children and caregivers in intentional play, sharing research-based practices in early childhood development. Each facilitator specializes in one exhibit gallery and collaborates with Impact Area Directors to plan and deliver programs.

You will support festivals, community programs, and weekly planning sessions, train volunteers, and help extend learning beyond the museum by sharing knowledge with families and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience working with children ages 0–8.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Open availability, weekends and some holidays (minimum of two full shifts per week).

Responsibilities

• Lead purposeful play and exploration in one or more galleries with children and caregivers.
• Facilitate guided or open-ended play in outdoor areas as needed.
• Support planning and facilitation of festivals, community programs, and annual events.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and partners to strengthen program delivery and consistency.
• Train and coordinate employees and volunteers to ensure engaging experiences across galleries.

Skills

Strong communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Open availability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

At LCM, play is serious business—and we’re on a mission to show every child that they matter. From splashing along the Mississippi River to creating masterpieces in the Studio in the Park, we believe learning happens best when curiosity leads the way. Working here means being part of a team that strengthens families, sparks imagination, and creates unforgettable moments every single day.

Job Summary

The Play Facilitator engages children and caregivers in intentional play and exploration while sharing research-based best practices for early childhood development. Each Play Facilitator specializes in one exhibit gallery and partners with Impact Area Directors to support program planning and delivery. Guided by the museum’s Learning Framework, Play Facilitators ensure that every visitor—both children and adults—has a meaningful and enriching experience.

• Lead purposeful play and exploration in one or more galleries:
  • Play With Me: A space for infants and toddlers to explore, paired with resources for caregivers on early development.
  • Follow That Food: A journey through Louisiana’s food systems, from field and water to table.
  • Dig Into Nature: An exploration of Southeast Louisiana’s natural resources, including plants, animals, and energy.
  • Make Your Mark: A celebration of New Orleans’ art, architecture, music, history, and cultural heritage.
  • Studio in the Park: A collaborative art and tinkering studio, emphasizing creativity with natural and reusable materials.
  • Move With the River: An active, hands-on experience following the Mississippi River from the Twin Cities to the Gulf.
• Facilitate guided or open-ended play in outdoor areas such as the Toddler Landscape and Edible Garden.

Programs & Events

• Support the planning and facilitation of festivals, community programs, and other annual events.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to strengthen mission delivery and community engagement.
• Participate in weekly planning sessions with the Museum Experience Manager and Assistant Manager.
• Share knowledge and strategies with parents, grandparents, and educators to extend learning beyond the museum.
• Assist in training and coordinating employees, volunteers, and partners working alongside the museum’s leadership.
• Partner with other Play Facilitators to ensure consistent and engaging experiences across all galleries.

Additional Duties

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least 1 year of experience working with children ages 0–8
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
• Open availability, weekends, some holidays (minimum of two full shifts per week)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain standing for extended periods
• Must be able to bend and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must be able to communicate clearly
• Ability to work in a fast-paced energetic setting with high visitor volume

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Louisiana Children’s Museum is committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the community we serve. Diversity strengthens our culture of creativity and play, and we welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on any protected basis. Background checks may be required depending on job responsibilities; while some offenses may be automatic disqualifiers, not all criminal history will disqualify a candidate.